Judge Will Decide Fate in West Duluth Murder Case

The Judge has Seven Days to Make a Decision

DULUTH, Minn. – The fate of the man accused of stabbing a woman to death in the West Duluth Super One back in December 2014 is now resting in the hands of Judge David Johnson in Duluth.

Jesse Dahlstrom’s attorney agreed to a stipulated facts trial meaning the judge has one week to decide the fate of the 39-year-old defendant.

Judge Johnson will review police reports submitted and will make his decision based on those reports.

Dahlstrom is accused of killing 75-year-old Sally Pionk of Proctor and if found guilty he could be facing 40 years in prison.

Dahlstrom is committed in St. Peter as mentally ill and dangerous. If he is found not guilty by reason of mental illness he will remain in an institution.

A rally was held outside of the courthouse Tuesday morning in support of the victim and her friends and family.

Those gathered at the courthouse said they hope that whatever the outcome in this case the public is protected from the kind of tragic loss they have experienced.

“She was at every holiday, every birthday, grandparent’s day at school, everything,” said Pionk’s friend, Sally Merritt. “You sometimes wondered how Sally had the time because she just took care of everyone.”

Some friends at the rally voiced concerns about what the future holds for Dahlstrom, hoping he remains removed from society, either in prison or an institution for the rest of his life.

“We don’t want anyone else to have to go through and feel what we’re feeling right now and it’s no fun feeling like we feel, but we’re going to feel it bad if we don’t stand up and make sure that he gets and goes to the right place,” said Ann Herbert, another close friend of Sally Pionk.